Method and apparatus for identifying and retrieving media content

ABSTRACT

The specification discloses a system and related method for retrieving encoded media content, such as retrieving audio tracks from a CD in MP3 format. The system involves attaching indicia to the media, or possibly a case or protective cover of the media, which uniquely identifies the content. An encoding retrieval and playback device has the ability to obtain the unique number identified by the indicia, where obtaining the unique number may be a consumer entering the number, may be by reading a barcode label, may be by reading the number from a radio frequency device and the like. Once the unique number has been obtained, the encoding retrieval and playback device retrieves the encoded media content from a server across a network connection. In this manner, a consumer need only be present to initiate the retrieval process, and the retrieval of the encoded media content may be completed without the presence of the consumer, and without inserting the storage media in the playback device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directedgenerally to digital audio and video technologies. More particularly,the preferred embodiments are directed to retrieving digital audio andvideo files in encoded formats. More particularly still, the preferredembodiments are directed to retrieving digital audio and video files inencoded format over the internet where the storage media content isidentified using a unique identifier attached to the media, such as abar code.

[0005] 2. Background of the Invention

[0006] With the increasing popularity of digitally based audio and videoequipment, it is common for consumers to read and change the format oftheir audio and visual performances for playback on different devices.For example, it is common for consumers owning audio compact disks (CDs)to read the songs from the CD, modify the file format, and store themodified file on a non-CD device for playback, such as an MP3 player.

[0007] However, converting audio and video files from one format toanother can be very time consuming. An exemplary case is a consumerwishing to convert the songs on an audio CD to an MP3 format. Thisconversion typically involves the consumer placing the CD into a CDreader in either a computer or a dedicated hardware device. The hardwaredevice reads the content from the CD, and converts the content to a“WAV” format file. Thereafter, the “WAV” format file is converted to theMP3 format. Once this operation is complete, the consumer must bepresent to remove the CD from the hardware device. Depending upon thespeed of the processor of the consumer's hardware device, it may takeseveral minutes to convert each audio track on a CD to an MP3 format. Ifthe CD contains 20 songs, the time to convert could easily exceed anhour or more, thus requiring the consumer's presence at least at thebeginning and end of that hour time frame. Moreover, conversion of avideo in digital versatile disk (DVD) format to a form suitable forplayback on a computer-type device may take many hours, again dependingupon the speed of the processor of the consumer's hardware device.

[0008] Thus, what is needed in the art is a method, and relatedhardware, to ease the consumer's burden in the conversion or encodingprocess.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The problems noted above are solved in large part by a method andrelated system for consumers to retrieve audio and video files informats different than on the storage media purchased without thenecessity of the consumer to be present at all phases of the conversionor encoding process. More particularly, the preferred embodiments aredirected to each storage media device (such as a compact disk, digitalversatile disk or other similar and after-developed devices) having aunique identifier. The unique identifier is preferably scanned orentered into a hardware device, which then retrieves the digitalinformation in the format desired, for example via the internet. In thisway, the user need only scan or otherwise enter the unique identifierfor the audio or visual media to begin the process of acquiring theinformation in the desired file format. While in some cases acquiringthe data in the desired format may be slower than conversion orencoding, the user's presence is only required to initiate the process.

[0010] More particularly, the preferred embodiments are directed toplacing a barcode on the audio or video media that encodes a number thatuniquely identifies the audio or video media. Preferably, the user needonly place the audio or video media near a barcode reader of aconversion device (whether that be a personal computer or a stand-alonehardware device), which reads the unique identifier. The hardware devicethen preferably accesses a server across the Internet, and downloads thedesired files in the desired file format to a storage device, such as ahard drive. In this way, the user need not expend the time required toinsert the CD, DVD or the like, into the hardware device, but merelyneeds to scan the unique identifier. The process of acquiring theencoded media content is thus triggered, and may complete withoutfurther intervention by the consumer. Moreover, if the consumer hasmultiple CDs or DVDs for which an encoded media content is desired,these may be queued, and the consumer is free to pursue other interestswhile the hardware device downloads the desired file formats for all thequeued disks.

[0011] The disclosed devices and methods comprise a combination offeatures and advantages that enable it to overcome the deficiencies ofthe prior art. The various characteristics described above, as well asother features, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the artupon reading the following detailed description, and by referring to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

[0013]FIG. 1 shows, in block diagram form, an encoding retrieval andplayback device of the preferred embodiments;

[0014]FIG. 2 shows a CD or DVD having an indicia thereon in the form ofa barcode label; and

[0015]FIG. 3 shows two alternative methods for attaching the indicia.

NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE

[0016] Certain terms are used throughout the following description andclaims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in theart will appreciate, computer companies may refer to a component bydifferent names. This document does not intend to distinguish betweencomponents that differ in name but not function.

[0017] In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms“including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thusshould be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ”.Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either anindirect or direct electrical or mechanical connection. Thus, if a firstdevice couples to a second device, that connection may be through adirect connection, or through an indirect connection via other devicesand connections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directedgenerally to a system and related method for consumers to access andretrieve encoded versions of files and other data on playback or storagemedia. The preferred embodiments were developed in the context of audiocompact disks (CDs) as the storage media, and therefore the followingdescription is based on that developmental context; however, one ofordinary skill in the art, after reading and understanding thedescription below, could equivalently implement the systems and relatedmethods in other audio and video technologies such as digital videodisks (DVDs), and the like. Moreover, as the state of the technologyadvances in storage media for audio and video information, these systemsand related methods may likewise be applied to those as yet developedstorage devices.

[0019] There are many stand-alone devices that play audio from compactdisks (CDs). These devices may include home audio CD players, CD playersfor automobiles, and mobile or personal CD players. In each case, theaudio is reproduced from information stored on the CD. However, ownersof CDs may on occasion wish to play their audio from a different format,and possibly without the presence of the CD. For example, the owner ofan audio CD may wish to transfer or encode the various audio tracks of aCD to MP3 format for play on a personal MP3 player. Other encoded formsexist, such as MP3Pro, Advanced Audio Codec (AAC), Windows Media Audio(WMA), Liquid Audio, and the like. The preferred embodiments of thepresent invention are directed to a system and related method forallowing a consumer access to an encoded version, regardless of form, ofthe content of a storage media without the user's hardware having toencode the information. FIG. 1 shows, in block diagram form, astand-alone encoding retrieval and playback device 10. The heart of theencoding retrieval and playback device 10 is a digital signal processor(DSP) 12, which may serve several functions. In the event thatretrieving a previously encoded version of particular media content isnot available, the DSP 12 encodes the audio content as read from theCD/DVD reader 14. The encoded content, songs for example, is then storedon a storage device 16 which in the preferred embodiments is a hard diskdevice (HDD), but which may be any form of static storage. Additionally,the digital signal processor 12, under command of the controller 18, isresponsible for sending the media content to a rendering engine 20during playback mode. The rendering engine couples to a playback device,which in the preferred embodiments are speakers 22. In the specific caseof an audio CD, for which previously encoded content is not available,the audio content is read from the CD reader 14, converted or encoded bythe DSP 12 to an appropriate file format (such as MP3), and stored onthe storage device 16. In the playback mode, the audio is read from thestorage device 16 and converted by the DSP 12 to a suitable format forthe rendering engine 20, which then produces the audio by way of speakeror speakers 22.

[0020] While the encoding retrieval and playback device 10 of thepreferred embodiments is capable of encoding, preferably the devicedownloads an encoded version of the media content rather than doing theencoding itself. More particularly, the encoding retrieval and playbackdevice 10 is preferably coupled to a server 24 across an Internetconnection 26. Thus, the encoding retrieval and playback device 10preferably also comprises a network interface 28 to couple thecontroller 18, and the remaining components of the device 10, to theserver 24. The connection to the server may take many forms, such asthrough a dial-up connection, a broadband connection, a home-basednetwork, a cellular network, and the like. Server 24 preferably storespreviously encoded versions of media content. In the specific case ofaudio CDs, the server 24 preferably stores partial or complete audio CDcontents in file formats different than that found on the CD. Forexample, the server could store all the songs of a particular CD in anMP3 format. In the preferred embodiments, the device 10 downloads theencoded information, rather than encoding that information itself.However, the consumer must inform the encoding retrieval and playbackdevice 10 which media content to retrieve.

[0021] In the preferred embodiments, each media device, such as an audioCD or DVD, has coupled thereto some form of indicium or uniqueidentifier. FIG. 2 shows a storage media 30 in the form of a CD or DVD.In the exemplary case of storage media 30, the indicium is a barcodelabel 32. The barcode label 32 could be the UPC code for the storagemedia, but UPC codes generally only identify the brand and model of thedevice, they do not distinguish among devices of the same brand andmodel. The barcode label of the preferred embodiments encodes a numberor alphanumeric string that uniquely identifies the particular storagemedia, even among storage media containing the same information. In thecase of an audio CD, though the CD manufacturer may produce hundreds ofthousands or millions of CDs, in the preferred embodiment each CD isassigned a unique number, which is encoded in the barcode labeled 32.Preferably, a consumer takes the storage media 30 with the indicium 32thereon and scans the unique number using the barcode scanner 34 of theencoding retrieval and playback device 10 (FIG. 1). In this way, theentity that controls the server can track accesses to the encodedinformation, to help identify abuses. The device 10 thereafter accessesthe server 24 over the Internet 26 and requests encoded content storedon the server 24 to be transferred across the Internet 26. Thus, inorder to obtain an encoded version of the information on the storagemedia 30, the consumer need merely scan the indicium 32, and theencoding retrieval and playback device 10 retrieves the requestedinformation from a server 24. Once initiated by the user, the encodingand retrieval device 10 preferably accomplishes the retrieval of theencoded information without further attention of the consumer. In thecase where a consumer has multiple storage medias 30 for which encodedcontent is desired, preferably the retrieval encoding and playbackdevice 10 has the capability to queue the unique identifying number foreach storage media 30, and sequentially retrieve that information fromthe server 24.

[0022]FIG. 1 shows the encoding retrieval and playback device 10 coupledto a single server 24 across an Internet connection 26. However, showinga single server is meant only to exemplify the principles of retrievalof the encoded content by the device 10. In actuality, there may be manyservers from which the device 10 retrieves encoded content. For example,each record label may have a server that stores the encoded content.Alternatively, if storage and allowing retrieval of encoded media ishandled by a single entity, there may still be multiple servers 24,possibly spread throughout the United States or the world, each servermaking available its encoded content on a regional basis. Anyimplementation where the device 10 downloads all or part of the encodedmedia content from remote devices, as opposed to encoding that contentitself, falls within the contemplation of the preferred embodiments.

[0023]FIG. 2 shows the preferred implementation of attaching theindicium 32 (in the preferred embodiments, a barcode label) on thesurface of the storage media 30. However, there are other equivalentembodiments and devices for transferring the unique identificationnumber of the storage media to the retrieval and encoding device 10. Forexample, it is possible that rather than using a barcode label, theunique identifying number could simply be printed or etched on somesurface of the storage media 30. In this case, the consumer could enterthe unique number by way of a user interface 36. In the preferredembodiments, the user interface 36 is simply a liquid crystal display(LCD) facilitating the delivery of text messages to the user, and akeypad for entry of numbers and other information; however, other, morecomplicated user interfaces may be equivalently used, such as colordisplays delivering graphical interfaces as well as standard andnon-standard size keyboards.

[0024] Alternatively, indicia could be placed on a surface of theprotective case or cover of the storage media, such as the barcode 38 onthe front cover of the CD case 40, as shown in FIG. 3. Although theindicium 38 is shown on an outer surface, the identifying indicium 38could be equivalently placed on the inside cover or any other locationof the CD case 40. FIG. 3 also exemplifies yet another embodiment where,instead of using a barcode label as the indicium, a passive circuit orpassive radio frequency device 42 could be coupled to or embedded in theCD this case, the barcode scanner 34 of FIG. 1 would be replaced withthe radio frequency transmitter/receiver. For the radio deviceembodiments, the consumer would merely hold the CD case close to the RFreader 34, in a manner and using similar technology to electronicidentification tags for building access, parking garage access, and thelike. One of ordinary skill in now understanding how to use the indiciumto identify and download encoded content, could easily devise manyequivalent systems to perform this task.

[0025] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of theprinciples and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerousvariations and modifications will become to those skilled in the artonce the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended thatowing claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations andmodifications.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a system for obtaining an encoded version ofinformation stored on a storage media, a method comprising: reading anindicium on the storage media with an indicia reading device, whereinthe indicium identifies the information on the storage media; anddownloading the encoded version of the information across a networkconnection for storage on a storage device.
 2. The method as defined inclaim 1 wherein reading an indicium on the storage media with an indiciareading device further comprises scanning a barcode label affixed to thestorage media with a barcode reader.
 3. The method as defined in claim 2wherein scanning a barcode label affixed to the storage media with abarcode reader further comprises scanning with the barcode reader thebarcode label coupled to an audio compact disk.
 4. The method as definedin claim 2 wherein scanning a barcode label affixed to the storage mediawith a barcode reader further comprises scanning with the barcode readerthe barcode label coupled to a protective cover of an audio compactdisk.
 5. The method as defined in claim 2 wherein scanning a barcodelabel affixed to the storage media with a barcode reader furthercomprises scanning with the barcode reader the barcode label coupled toa digital video disk.
 6. The method as defined in claim 2 whereinscanning a barcode label affixed to the storage media with a barcodereader further comprises scanning with the barcode reader the barcodelabel coupled to a protective cover of a digital video disk.
 7. Themethod as defined in claim 1 wherein reading an indicium on the storagemedia with an indicia reading device further comprises reading, with aradio frequency transmitter/receiver, a passive circuit coupled to thestorage media.
 8. The method as defined in claim 7 wherein reading, witha radio frequency transmitter/receiver, a passive circuit coupled to thestorage media further comprises reading the passive circuit coupled to aprotective cover of an audio compact disk.
 9. The method as defined inclaim 7 wherein reading, with a radio frequency transmitter/receiver, apassive circuit coupled to the storage media further comprises readingthe passive circuit coupled to a protective cover of a digital videodisk.
 10. The method as defined in claim 1 downloading the encodedversion of the information across a network connection for storage on astorage device further comprises: accessing a server across an internetconnection; retrieving the encoded version of the information from theserver based on the indicium read in the reading step.
 11. A systemcomprising: a digital signal processor; an indicia reader coupled to thedigital signal processor; a network interface coupled to the digitalsignal processor; and wherein the system is adapted to read, using theindicia reader, an indicium coupled to a storage media storinginformation in a first format, and based on the indicium read, accessinga remote device using the network interface to retrieve the informationin an encoded format.
 12. The system as defined in claim 11 furthercomprising a storage device coupled to the digital signal processor, andwherein the apparatus is further adapted to store the information in theencoded format on the storage device.
 13. The system as defined in claim12 wherein the storage device further comprises a hard disk drive. 14.The system as defined in claim 12 wherein the storage device furthercomprises a static memory device.
 15. The system as defined in claim 14wherein the static memory device further comprises static random accessmemory.
 16. The system as defined in claim 11 wherein the digital signalprocessor further comprises a part number TMS320VC5509 digital signalprocessor produced by Texas Instruments, Inc.
 17. The system as definedin claim 11 wherein the indicia reader further comprises a barcodescanner, and wherein the indicia of the storage media further comprisesa barcode label.
 18. The system as defined in claim 17 wherein thebarcode label is attached to the storage media.
 19. The system asdefined in claim 17 wherein the barcode label is attached to aprotective cover of the storage media.
 20. The system as defined inclaim 11 wherein the indicia reader further comprises a radio frequencydevice reader, and wherein the indicium of the storage media furthercomprises a passive radio frequency device.
 21. The system as defined inclaim 20 wherein the radio frequency device is coupled to the storagemedia.
 22. The system as defined in claim 20 wherein the radio frequencydevice is coupled to a protective case of the storage media.
 23. Thesystem as defined in claim 11 further comprising: a storage media readercoupled to the digital signal processor; a playback device coupled tothe digital signal processor; and wherein the system is adapted to readinformation in the first format using the storage media reader, andplayback the information using the playback device.
 24. The system asdefined in claim 23 wherein the storage media reader further comprisesan audio compact disk reader.
 25. The system as defined in claim 23wherein the storage media reader further comprises a digital video diskreader.
 26. A method comprising acquiring encoded versions of audiotracks of an audio compact disk without inserting the audio compact diskinto a compact disk reader, the acquiring based on a unique identifierassociated with the audio compact disk.
 27. The method as defined inclaim 26 wherein acquiring encoded versions of audio tracks of an audiocompact disk without inserting the audio compact disk into a compactdisk reader further comprises: reading the unique identifier associatedwith the audio compact disk with a reader of a download device;accessing a remote server across an internet connection by the downloaddevice; and downloading the encoded version of the audio tracks based onthe unique identifier read.
 28. The method as defined in claim 27wherein reading the unique identifier associated with the audio compactdisk with a reader of a download device further comprises reading abarcode label coupled to the audio compact disk with a barcode reader ofthe download device.
 29. The method as defined in claim 27 whereinreading the unique identifier associated with the audio compact diskwith a reader of a download device further comprises reading a barcodelabel coupled to a protective cover of the audio compact disk with abarcode reader of the download device.
 30. The method as defined inclaim 27 wherein reading the unique identifier associated with the audiocompact disk with a reader of a download device further comprisesreading an electronic identification tag coupled to the protective coverof the audio compact disk with a radio frequency transmitter/receiver ofthe download device.
 31. The method as defined in claim 26 whereinacquiring encoded versions of audio tracks of an audio compact diskwithout inserting the audio compact disk into a compact disk readerfurther comprises: inputting the unique identifier associated with theaudio compact disk into download device using a user interface;accessing a remote server across an internet connection by the downloaddevice; and downloading the encoded version of the audio tracks based onthe unique identifier read.
 32. In a system for obtaining an encodedversion of information stored on a storage media, a method comprising:reading an indicium on the storage media with an indicia reading device,wherein the indicium identifies the information on the storage media;and downloading the encoded version of the information across a networkconnection.
 33. The method as defined in claim 32 wherein reading anindicium on the storage media with an indicia reading device furthercomprises scanning a barcode label affixed to the storage media with abarcode reader.
 34. The method as defined in claim 32 wherein reading anindicium on the storage media with an indicia reading device furthercomprises reading, with a radio frequency transmitter/receiver, apassive circuit coupled to the storage media.
 35. The method as definedin claim 32 downloading the encoded version of the information across anetwork connection for storage on a storage device further comprises:accessing a server across an internet connection; retrieving the encodedversion of the information from the server based on the indicium read inthe reading step.